Hers might be considered a household name around these parts, for news junkies – at least – but Risa Vetri Ferman was launched onto the national stage Thursday after she was honored as the top nominee in L’Oreal Paris’ 2012 Women of Worth competition.

Ferman won out over nine other contestants for the national distinction for her work with Mission Kids, the nonprofit organization she co-founded in 2009. It is the first and only child advocacy center for victims of child abuse in all of Montgomery County.

Appearing at New York City’s premier Hearst Tower, world headquarters for all of Hearst magazines (Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Marie Claire, etc.), Ferman donned many proverbial hats Thursday night. She was honored as county district attorney, founder of the Montgomery County Child Advocacy Project (MCAP), which provides pro bono legal services for abused children, and of course, her philanthropic work with Mission Kids. The event was also sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation.

More than 70,000 votes earned Ferman the top spot of national honoree. While each of the 10 women recognized received $10,000 for their respective charities, Mission Kids received an additional $25,000 towards its endeavor to guide, support and rehabilitate victims of child abuse.

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“I was deeply humbled to be recognized by L’Oreal Paris USA and the Points of Light Foundation,” said Ferman.

“My nine fellow honorees are doing extraordinary work across the country. To have the chance to meet them and hear the stories of their creativity, passion and ingenuity was inspiring to me. I was deeply honored to be recognized as the National Honoree for Mission Kids. While the additional $25,000 grant will be important to help us support child abuse victims in Montgomery County, giving child advocacy centers a national platform as the right way for communities to fight child abuse and help children heal is the most significant benefit of this award.”

In its seventh year, the star-studded ceremony in New York City Thursday night welcomed notables from across the country. L’Oreal Paris spokespeople helped host the awards presentation, including actresses Andie MacDowell and Julianna Margulies and athlete Aimee Mullins. Also in attendance were icons in the entertainment, publishing and media industries, such as Arianna Huffington, Allison Williams, Trisha Yearwood, Jessica Seinfeld and Randi Zuckerberg.

During the month of November, voters could log on to womenofworth.com and cast their vote for the winner of the national recognition.

L’Oreal Paris’ Women of Worth competition selects everyday women who are making a difference in the world around them. The company financially supports this cause through grants and by raising awareness for their causes.